Special Programs and Studbooks
The following species are bred at Hill Country Aviaries, L.L.C. (or will be soon), and offspring are offered to serious breeders only. Many of these species are subjects of studbook or management programs in the zoo or private sector of aviculture.
The Crimson-bellied Conure
(Pyrrhura perlata perlata) is bred here and Rick Jordan is the
studbook manager for the USFWS/AFA Cooperative Breeding Program for the
species. A note of interest, Rick Jordan and the staff at the Hill Country
Aviaries will receive the U.S. FirstBreeding Award for this species in 2001.
(Photo by Richard Cusick)
The
juvenile form of Pyrrhura perlata perlata lacks the bright red chest but
is still a beautiful bird. Young birds usually acquire their full adult plumage
by one year of age. The program has been very successful so far and young pairs
should be available to persons wishing to join the studbook and management
effort. Anyone wishing further information contact Rick Jordan by email at
Hatch111@Earthlink.net (Photo by
Richard Cusick)
Thick-billed
Parrots can also be seen at Hill Country Aviaries. We participate in
the American Zoological Association's studbook for this species. Thanks to a
cooperative effort between us and Backtalk Bird Center in Dallas, Texas, there
are now two unrelated pairs set up at the facility. It is interesting to note
that this species was thought to have inhabited areas of Southwestern United
States at one time.
The
Festive Amazon, (Amazona festiva bodini) is not common in U.S.
aviculture. This particular subspecies, often called Bodine's Amazon, differs
from the nominate form by having a blue head and facial area. Cooperating with
Gary and Janet Lilienthal, we now house several pairs of this beautiful Amazon
parrot.
The
Queen of Bavaria, or Golden Conure is represented at Hill Country
Aviaries as well. This species is listed on the United States Endangered
Species Act, and federal permits are required for any monetary transaction that
takes place across a State line. We participate with Backtalk Bird Center of
Dallas in this breeding effort. Although a charming and wonder pet bird, Golden
Conures can be noisy. Breeding efforts in the United States have been terrific,
and this species is on the rise in captivity.
A subspecies of the Painted
Conure, the Rose-fronted Conure (Pyrrhura picta roseifrons)
is new to U.S. aviculture. They were recently imported under a USFWS/AFA
Cooperative Breeding Program, in compliance with the Wild Bird Conservation Act
of 1992. Rick Jordan is the studbook managaer for this species and maintains
all breeding records for the program. (Photo by Tammy Wilkinson)